The subject of terrorism has become central to the way in which we organise and see our democratic system of government. To many, the demands of national - or personal - security seem to subvert the very idea of a society based on the rule of law and respect for human rights. But is this really the case? Just as counter-terrorism law does not obliterate the need for human rights, so too do human rights not make impossible a response to international political violence.

Rabinder Singh QC practises at Matrix chambers, specialising in public law and human rights. He is the author of 'The Future of Human Rights in the UK' (1997). He was a member of the legal team instructed by Liberty in the recent case about the compatibility of the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 with the European Convention on Human Rights.

Conor Gearty is Professor of Human Rights Law and Rausing Director of the Centre for the Study of Human Rights. Formerly at Cambridge and King's College London, he has written extensively on terrorism, civil liberties and human rights.

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